XMB Interface Explained

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Sample the PS3 Cross Media Bar now with our handy translation.

By Anoop Gantayat

Wondering how you'll be interacting with your PS3 once you manage to actually get your hands on Sony's next generation console? If you have a PSP, you'll have a good idea of the system's basic Cross Media Bar (XMB) interface, but today Sony Japan provided a close-up look at the specific PS3 version. Point your browser here to see all the icons for yourself.

Since the site is in Japanese, here's a guide. From left to right, the icons are as follows. Appearing below the main headers are the options that will appear when you select the individual icons.

USER

Add a new user

SETTINGS

Setting Update

System Settings

Sound Settings

BD/ DVD Settings

Date and time Settings

Security Settings

Music Settings

Accessory Settings

Network Settings

Chat Settings

Display Settings

PHOTO

Folder

MUSIC

Super Audio CD

Music CD

Folder

VIDEO

BD-ROM / BD-R / BD-RE

DVD Video / DVD-VR / DVD+VR / AVCHD

Folder

GAME

Game Data Management

Memory Card Management (PS/ PS2)

Save Data Management

PlayStation 3 Game Disk

NETWORK

Remote Play

Internet Browser

PlayStation Store

FRIENDS

Friend Registration

Players With Whom You've Played

Message Box

Most of these settings should be self-explanatory. There are a few areas of interest, though. First is the "User menu." Like the Xbox 360, the PS3 will allow multiple user accounts to be accessed on a single system. When you start up the PS3, you'll be able to select the current user, thus avoiding confusion with save game files and other settings.

Another notable element of the interface is the "System Update" option. This selection is also present on the PSP, where it's used to update the system's firmware with new features and new defenses against piracy. It's currently unknown how Sony will be staging system updates for the PS3.

The PlayStation Store option is where you'll go to purchase downloadable content -- cars and tracks for Gran Turismo HD, for instance. The final interface for Sony's e-business shop has yet to be made public.

Most intriguing is the Remote Play option. This feature will allow you to view PS3 video on your PSP via Wi-Fi. It's unclear if this is just for video footage, or if games will actually be playable through this option. Japan's Impress Watch game site reports that the Remote Play functionality will be possible on the 60 gigabyte PS3 model. We presume the functionality can also be accessed from the 20 Gig model if you invest in a Wi-Fi adapter.